This archive report was first published on 27 December 2019.
December 27, 2019
As we bid farewell to the old decade and welcome the new one, it is essential to reflect on the issues that have plagued our nation and set our sights on a brighter future.
One of the most pressing concerns is the type of leadership we need. Kenya is a traumatised country, and our leaders have exploited this vulnerability to their advantage. It is time for us to choose leaders who genuinely care about our well-being, rather than those who are driven by personal interests.
The recent tragedy of Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda Mutheu's deaths in the Likoni channel is a stark reminder of the need for accountability. We must demand better from our government, which takes so much from us without providing adequate services in return.
Violence against women is another critical issue that requires attention. The brutal murder of Ivy Wangechi, Sharon Otieno, and Monicah Kimani, among others, is a stark reminder of the need to tackle this scourge. We must teach our boys to respect and love women, rather than blaming the victims.
The cancer menace is also a growing concern, and it is time for us to achieve universal healthcare. Poor cancer patients should not have to suffer due to lack of access to proper healthcare. We must accord them the dignified treatment they deserve and provide hope for a better future.
Finally, it is time for us to lift the lid on mental health. We must stop pretending to be a happy country while battling depression and anxiety. We must start discussing mental health openly and provide support to those who need it.
Here's to a blessed new decade, where we demand respect, dignity, and our rights.
Ms Chege is the director of the Innovation Centre at Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications.
